Marie Evelyn Patton

Marie was born in Modesto, California on January 25th, 1918. She was the granddaughter of pioneer Turpen and Huddelson families that settled in the Empire/Montpelier area in 1854. Her parents graduated from Modesto High School in 1917. Her father Oliver Turpen, a World War I veteran, was a construction engineer. Oliver worked for a company that built highways–most of them in national parks. Consequently, Marie and her two brothers Ollie, and Russell spent summers in road camps. Some were notably: Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, and Yosemite valley.

Marie attended school in Berkeley California and graduated with the class of 1935. The following year she earned a state license in cosmetology. She married Jim Patton, a former classmate in 1939. Marie vividly remembered growing up in The Great Depression years and raising a young family during World War II. Music was a constant in their lives.

In 1947, with their three children, they moved to Modesto to live with her maternal grandfather, George York. He lived on a ranch three miles west of Modesto. He raised Tennessee walking horses. Marie loved her years of living there, raising their family of five children.

In 1967 they moved into Modesto. With only two children left in school, Marie resumed her cosmetology career. She became an instructor, and a few years later assumed full responsibility of California Beauty College. Her passion was teaching and the school grew and thrived. She made sure that if a student completed the course, they would receive their state license. She held this job for 13 years until retirement.

She and Jim looked forward to semi-retirement and some traveling. That idea was cut short. After only three years, Jim passed away from cancer.

After Jim’s passing, Marie needed something to do, so she went back to work. This time for the City of Modesto in the office of the newly completed Center Plaza. From the day it opened she enjoyed the job and her co-workers became good friends. She finally retired at the age of 83.

At the age of 90, Marie decided to sell her home of 40 years and move to Samaritan Village in Hughson, California. It was a wonderful decision. She treasured the friends she had there. Three years later, she moved to Casa de Modesto, to be closer to family in Modesto.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents and both brothers, Oliver and Russell Turpen, her husband Jim Patton, and a daughter Donna Foster. She is survived by four children: Jim Patton Jr. (Cheryl) of Modesto, Steve Patton (Patti) of Tuolumne, David Patton (Vivian) of Pine Mountain Lake and Peggy Hegel (Terry) of Modesto.

Marie was also blessed with 19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 33 great great grandchildren and 1 great great great grandchild.

82 direct descendants.

“ I have always felt so blessed to have you all . . . you made my world complete. Mom”